MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews)
– Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced Alabama is sending a 40-person search and rescue team to Texas to assist in response efforts following devastating flooding.
The team includes members of Alabama Task Force 1 from Mobile, along with personnel from the Tuscaloosa Fire Department and Saraland Fire Department.
“Search and rescue remains the goal, and Alabama is going to do all we can to lend a helping hand to Texas,” said Governor Ivey. “We are heartbroken in Alabama to have lost two of our own. I pray for Sarah Marsh’s family as they navigate the unimaginable loss of their precious daughter. My prayers are also with the Santanas as they grieve the loss of Camille and are still searching for three members of their family. Truly, we are all grieving alongside these Alabamians, as well as those in Texas and across our country.”
Immediately after the flooding, Governor Ivey worked to align state resources so Alabama could respond quickly when Texas called for assistance. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ivey reiterated Alabama’s readiness to support ongoing search and rescue operations.
The deployed team is trained for all-hazard situations and includes rescue specialists, canine units, medical personnel, hazmat teams, technical search experts, and communications staff. They are equipped to locate, access, stabilize, and extract survivors from impacted structures and areas.
“I am grateful to all those who are part of the search and rescue mission, and I pray for their safety and for the success of their mission. Y’all, pray for Texas!” the governor said.
The team is scheduled to deploy at 3 p.m. Thursday and will operate in 12-hour shifts for up to 14 days.
